The Bible Way To Heaven

Acts 16:30: “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

God’s Method To Eternal Life:

1. Admit you are a sinner.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; – Romans 3:23

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: – Romans 5:12

*No one is good enough to go to Heaven on their own merit. No matter how much good we do, we still come short.

2. Realize the penalty for your sin.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:23

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: – Romans 5:12

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. – Revelation 20:14-15

*There is a payment for our sin, which is eternal death in a place called Hell and the Lake of Fire.

3. Believe that Christ died, was buried and rose from the grave as a payment for your sin.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:16

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; – Acts 10:39-40

*Salvation is putting your faith (believing) that Jesus Christ paid for your sins.

4. Understand that salvation will last forever.

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; – Titus 1:2

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:15-16

*When God saves you he gives you eternal/everlasting life. In other words, life that will never end; life that will last forever. So, when he saves you it is forever. No matter what you do after you receive “the gift of eternal life” it can never end. Otherwise, God lied. And we know that God cannot lie.

5. Pray and ask Jesus Christ to save you.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. – Romans 10:9-10

*Eternal life is a gift purchased by the blood of Jesus and offered freely to those who call upon Him by faith. Anyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved forever. The answer to Acts 16:30 (above) is Acts 16:31: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Being saved is a one-time event. All you have to do is ask.

Let us help you word a prayer. Realize it is not mere words that save, but your faith (trust) in Jesus Christ. Place your trust in Him, not your works, religious traditions, your ethnic line, or the world. Fully trust Christ, and Christ alone, and request His salvation:

  • Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I know I deserve to go to Hell. But I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and rose from the grave to pay for my sins. I trust in you alone for my salvation. Please save me and take me to Heaven when I die. Amen.
Get Answers

Common Questions

Yes, salvation is available to all who believe. No sin is too great for Christ to overcome if we believe. Romans 10:13 assures us: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Believing in Jesus does not mean accepting a set of facts about his life or death or even simply in believing in God (even the demons “believe in God”—James 2:19). Belief—faith—implies TRUST.

A person must trust that Christ rose from the dead and has the power to save us from sin and death. One must trust that He, and He alone, has this power. ‘Believe on Christ’ means to trust in His promised redemption.

We cannot save ourselves through our own works. If someone is trusting their works for salvation, they are not trusting Christ.

If a person believes (truly trusts) in Christ, they will believe in the promises He has given, and will come to Him alone to find salvation. As He said in John 14:6 – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

There is only one way. Christ is that way. We must believe in that promise—His very own words—to find salvation.

Yes, Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Acts 4:12 states, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Because we have such a great God, He is merciful and does not make salvation complicated.

However, while salvation is simple, it is not “easy”. If it were easy, millions more would be saved Christians right now and our country would look radically different.

Truly trusting in Christ requires a complete disavowal of your own internal pride, because you must accept that you are helpless and can do nothing for your own salvation. It is all Christ’s atonement for you (please read the FAQ question above: What does “believe on Christ” actually mean?).

Human pride is the hardest thing for us to overcome, so to claim that the scriptural way to heaven is “easy” is incorrect—It would be far easier if we could just do a few works every week and earn our own way into heaven. That false gospel requires a lot less humility and much less lowering of our pride than the true pathway to salvation.

But 1 Corinthians 1:29 affirms us by saying “That no flesh should glory in his presence”. In other words: No one will get to heaven and be able to say “I did this”.

So to summarize: Salvation is simple, but it is most definitely not easy.

No, salvation is a gift from God, not earned through good works. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

In John 14:6 Jesus says “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me“. Notice here that Christ did not say you can choose to come by Him or by your own works or some combination of the two—He said it is through Him alone. Being a “good person” (in your own eyes or even in the world’s eyes) is entirely irrelevant regarding salvation. It is all Jesus.

Find further ‘good works’-related common questions below:

Q: Why are good works insufficient for salvation? A: Good works, though important, cannot erase our sins or merit salvation. Only Jesus does this. Titus 3:5 explains, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

Q: Can’t I earn my way to heaven through doing x/y/z? A: No, our righteousness is like filthy rags before God. Good deeds won’t cut it. Isaiah 64:6 declares, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

Q: Can I add my good works to faith for salvation? A: No, salvation is a gift received by faith alone, apart from works. Romans 3:28 states, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Q: Why is it important to understand that works cannot save us? A: Understanding that works cannot save us directs our focus to Christ and His finished work on the cross. Galatians 2:16 emphasizes, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Q: What role do good works play in the life of a believer? A: Good works are evidence of our faith and gratitude for salvation, but they do not contribute to our salvation. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” & James James 2:26: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”.

Q: Can I lose my salvation if I don’t do enough good works? A: No, salvation is secure in Christ, not dependent on our works. John 10:28 assures us, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” & 1 Corinthians 3:15: “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

Q: Why is it important to rely solely on the grace of God for salvation? A: Relying solely on the grace of God for salvation humbles us and exalts Christ as the only Savior. Romans 5:15 explains, “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.”

No, true believers are eternally secure in Christ. John 10:28 assures us, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

Seek assurance through prayer, a faithful local congregation that edifies you (church), and studying God’s Word. 2 Peter 1:10 encourages us, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

Seek Him earnestly through prayer, repentance, and returning to His Word. James 4:8 encourages, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

Another thing to consider is that many times we feel distant from God because we are not walking in the works He has provided us, thus allowing Him to demonstrate His power through us.

A faithful local church could also help if one is feeling distant from God, both through fellowship and in counseling.

Those who reject Christ face eternal separation from God in hell. John 3:36 warns, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

God reveals Himself through creation and the conscience, but He desires that all would hear the Gospel. Romans 1:20 explains, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

Congratulations! Now the best part begins: A growing relationship with Christ and a new life of spiritual growth. Christians refer to this process as “sanctification”, where we grow closer to God’s will for us over time. We are to grow in the faith over time (Ephesians 4:14-15; Hebrews 5:12-14)

The best place to start is with God’s Word. By reading only three chapters a day, you will finish the entire Bible in a year! The Bible is God’s written Word directly to you; He will speak to you through it.

We also strongly recommend finding a Bible-believing local church. Attending church is not required for salvation, but it is imperative for sanctification.

As you learn more through God’s Word, solid preaching, and church edification, you will find where God is calling you in your earthly life. Perhaps even better, you will grow in understanding of the promise of the coming eternal life.

If you have any questions that are not answered on this website, or you are doubtful about anything regarding salvation, we are here to help. Reach out to us using our Contact Us page. We would love to meet with you (or even just chat through email) and address any hesitations or questions you may have.

We’re On A Mission to Win Souls To Christ IN Montana. You can help.

We cannot do this alone. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering your time and talents, or simply praying for our efforts, there are many ways you can support us in making a difference in Montana. Join us!

1

STATE

56

COUNTIES

~1.2

MILLION MONTANANS

1

WAY TO HEAVEN